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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

professional organizations: math organizations

Math teachers have several professional organizations to consider joining, both at the national level and the state level.

The primary national organization for math teachers is the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, or NCTM. NCTM is an organization supporting "teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development and research." NCTM has resources specifically for elementary, middle school, high school, and even college math teachers. NCTM offers e-workshops and seminars for professional development, has numerous journals devoted to issues related to math teaching at different grade levels, and offers information on advocacy around math-related policy issues. One of the resources there now that I really like is the "Evaluating Math Games" resource page, designed to help you determine whether a math game will be effective in meeting your educational goals for your students. NCTM offers regional conferences and expositions every year, great opportunities for professional development and networking.

At the state level, Minnesota has the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics, MCTM. MCTM offers lots of similar information, but is more tailored to state-level math teaching and standards. There are fall and spring conferences, resources for teaching, and regular newletters - MathBits. One really great opportunity for new teachers is MCTM Connect - MCTM's commitment to new teachers of math. Check out the page to see all the options for new teachers - everything from a Ning site, to signing up with a math teaching mentor, to networking at the fall conference. What a great opportunity to connect with other new and experienced math teachers!